he can do nothing where there is any decay in Nature, and many Distempers are not at all obedient to his Touch. So that, I confess, I refer all his Vertue to his particular Temper and Complexion, and I take his Spirits to be a kind of Elixer, and universal Ferment, and that he Cures as (Dr M. expresseth it) by a sanative Contagion. Enthusiasm. Triumphat. Sect. 58.
This Sir, was the first Account of the Healer, I had from that Reverend Person, which with me signifies more, than the Attestations of multitudes of ordinary Reporters; and no doubt but it will do likewise, with all that know that excellent Man's singular Integrity and Judgement, But besides this, upon my enquiry into some other particulars about this matter, I received these farther Informations.
As for Mr. G. what Opinion he hath of his own Gift, and how he came to know it? I answer, He hath a different Apprehension of it from yours and mine, and certainly believeth it to be an immediate Gift from Heaven; and 'tis no wonder, for he is no Philosopher, and you will wonder less, when you hear how he came to know it, as I have often received it from his own Mouth.
About three or four Years ago, he had a strong impulse upon his Spirit, that continually pursued him whatever he was about, at his Business or Devotion, alone or in company, that spake to him by this inward suggestion, (I have given thee the Gift of Curing the Evil) This Suggestion was so importunate, that he complained to his Wife, that he thought he was haunted. She apprehended it as an extravagancy of Fancy, but he told her, he believed there was more in it, and was resolved to try. He did not long want opportunity. There was a Neighbour of his grievously afflicted with the Kings Evil, he stroked her, and the effect succeeded, and for about a Twelve-month together, he pretended to Cure no other Distemper. But then the Ague being very rife in the Neighbourhood, the same Impulse, after the same manner, spoke within him, (I have given thee the Gift of Curing the Ague) and meeting with Persons in their Fits, and taking them by the Hand, or laying his Hand upon their Breasts, the Ague left them. About half a Year after, the accustomed Impulse became more general, and suggested to him, (I have given thee the Gift of Healing) and then he attempted all Diseases indifferently, and tho' he saw
